Cologne Wine Week

Cologne — Cathedral City on the Rhine

The city of Cologne, with around 1.1 million inhabitants, is the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a cultural metropolis, a carnival stronghold, and an event center on the Rhine. With events such as Lit.Cologne, Carnival, Christopher Street Day, Kölner Lichter, and the Cologne Wine Week, the city is one of the most frequently programmed event locations in Germany. From 2026 onwards, the Neumarkt — one of the city's largest squares — will be the new home of the Wine Week.

Move from Heumarkt to Neumarkt

After many years at Heumarkt, the Cologne Wine Week is moving to the Neumarkt in 2026 — a central square located between Schildergasse, Cäcilienstraße, and Hahnenstraße, in the heart of Cologne's city center. The change is editorially motivated: more space, better transport connections (Neumarkt subway hub with lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 16, 18), and the possibility to expand the offering to include more stalls. The organizer, Livinglemon GmbH, is keeping the concept otherwise unchanged: wines directly from the producer, long tables, cozy standing tables, classic German accompanying cuisine.

30 Vintners, 9 Wine-Growing Regions

The 2026 Wine Week brings 30 vintners from nine German wine regions to Cologne: Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Nahe, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Ahr, Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Franken, and Baden. In the glass, the styles range from dry Riesling to light Rosé and smooth Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), as well as sparkling wines and sweeter late harvests. The vintners personally manage their stalls — advice is part of the offering. Trying a different stall with each visit provides a well-founded tour through the German wine landscape after 12 days.

Food — German Classics to Pair with Wine

Culinary delights: Bratwurst with fried potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, tarte flambée in several variations (classic with bacon and onions, vegetarian, sweet with apple), pretzels, cheese spaetzle, small sausage platters, and bread. Those who wish to pair wine with a main meal can also eat in the seating area. Beer and soft drinks complement the offering — no one has to drink wine.

Opening Hours and Atmosphere

The Wine Week is open from Monday to Friday 1 PM–10 PM, and from Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 11 AM–10 PM. Free admission. Table reservations are not possible for organizational reasons — those who want a seat should come early or inquire on-site. Live music, cozy lighting in the evening, long tables where strangers become table neighbors. A classic summer format that clearly differs from the carnival hustle and bustle and street food festivals: wine and conversation are the focus.